15-day cycling trip for families

After landing in Kyrgyzstan's capital, you will be warmly welcomed and taken to the hotel. Now it's time to rest and settle in. In the afternoon, we will explore the bustling capital together with its many markets and squares.

After the transfer to the green Chon Kemin Valley, you will start your first relaxing bike tour – ideal for warming up and getting in the mood. In this beautiful valley, it quickly becomes clear why Kyrgyzstan is also called the Switzerland of Central Asia.

Today we explore the surroundings by bike: through wide meadows, along rivers, and past small villages – a beautiful insight into rural Kyrgyzstan. Depending on preference, we can extend the tour and also venture higher into the mountains. In the evening, there will be delicious Kyrgyz food in our cozy guesthouse - salads, soups, main courses, and desserts leave nothing to be desired. 

With the tour vehicle, we drive up into the highlands to Lake Son-Kul at over 3,000 meters. From the Kalmak Ashu Pass, the lake is not far, and we can cover the last kilometers by bicycle. After about 20 kilometers, we reach our yurt camp right by the lake. 

Our bike tour takes us over the seemingly endless high pastures between grazing horses, sheep, cows, and past the yurts of the nomads. We are going to experience an unforgettable cycling stage today. From our yurt camp, a small horseback riding excursion can be undertaken in the afternoon.

For our hosts, the day begins early in the yurt camp. We can watch and help with milking, baking, and the preparation of other foods, or even take a small ride again. After lunch, it's time to say goodbye, and we cycle to the Kalmak Ashu Pass. The 500 meters of elevation to the pass should not be underestimated, but it makes everyone proud who has conquered it by their own strength. After the descent, we pack the bikes and drive back to Kochkor by car.

Today we take a break and leave the bicycles behind. It is Saturday and the famous livestock market of Kochkor is taking place. In the morning, preferably very early, we visit the market and watch as the shepherds from the mountains sell their animals. The small town is also known for felt products. We visit a traditional workshop and can get creative ourselves. 

The second part of our cycling trip takes us to the Issyk Kul Lake. We start near Kochkor and ascend the 2,700-meter-high Semis Bel Pass either by our own power or with the tour vehicle. The gentle descent leads us to the entrance of the Ala Bash Valley. We set up our tents on a beautifully situated hill and prepare our meal together. We sleep under a starry sky in beautiful nature.

It goes downhill into the idyllic Ala Bash Valley. We drive through meadows and villages, enjoying the beautiful views of the glaciated mountains. Our family-oriented yurt camp awaits us with many surprises to discover. On an excursion to the nearby hills, we experience the traditional eagle hunting in the evening sun, a very special experience for children and adults.

Mostly downhill, the last cycling stage leads us to the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Upon arriving at our cozy yurt camp right by the lake, we can refresh ourselves in the water of the "warm lake" (translated Issyk Kul). 

On the way to Chong Kyzyl Suu, we stop at many exciting places. The fairy tale gorge shows a bizarre sandstone landscape like out of a fairy tale world. In a yurt camp right by the lake, we see the smallest and largest yurts bathing on a beautiful beach in the crystal clear water of the lake. In Chong Kyzyl Suu, a bath in hot springs awaits us. We are accommodated in a simple guesthouse.

The famous sandstone cliffs "Yeti Oguz" in German "seven bulls" are waiting for us today. We will ride over the pastures of the nomads. Spectacular views make this tour an absolute highlight of the trip. In the afternoon, we will check into our rooms at the idyllic Eco Village Lodge. 

Today we can decide: a trip to the nearby provincial capital Karakol, where we can visit the bazaar, a wooden mosque, and an Orthodox church, or another trip to the nearby mountainous landscape. We have many options. 

Today we are heading back to the capital with a stop at Ira, an excellent cook who will treat us at her home. After the long drive, we can refresh ourselves in the hotel pool and conclude the trip with a joint dinner.

After two eventful weeks, it's time to say goodbye – transfer to the airport and return flight